Van Leeuwen Ice Cream

Very average ice cream, quite a let down. Some people recommended I try out Van Leeuwen on my quest to find the best ice cream in Boston. I knew they were a chain but seeing as I had been pleasantly surprised by JP Licks, I figured it was worth a shot. The staff were nice and let me try a few samples, though it was a bit weird it as seemed to make a conscious effort to make the samples as small as possible, barely filling a quarter of the tiny sample spoon. All flavours were too sweet in my opinion. The texture of the ice cream is nice, but that’s about it. I ended up picking the honeycomb, but it was, like the other flavours I tried, too sweet, and without any piece of honeycomb which was quite disappointing. Overall would skip Van Leeuwen. There are far better options for ice cream in Boston, especially around the Cambridge area.

Ordered the Black cherry chip ice cream and the pistachio. The server was really kind in letting my sister and I try a few flavors including the blueberry jelly donut, strawberry yuzu cheesecake which were phenomenal too. Lovely for a hot summer’s day!

A great spot to enjoy ice cream during the summer near Harvard! They offer a wide variety of flavors—and even free samples. The staff were super friendly, and there’s a cozy space where you can relax and chat with friends while enjoying your ice cream.

Van Leeuwen is the perfect spot to cool down on a sunny hot day in Harvard Square! We tried the pistachio, strawberry, and an affogato, and each one was absolutely delightful. The ice cream is rich, creamy, and soft with flavors that taste fresh and natural—not overly sweet. The affogato was especially a treat, perfectly balancing espresso with the smooth vanilla base. One of the best parts is that they make the cones fresh right in front of you, adding that warm, crispy touch that pairs perfectly with the ice cream. The shop itself has a bright and welcoming vibe, making it a great place to stop whether you’re strolling through Harvard Square or looking for a dessert after dinner. Parking can be a challenge in this area, but if you’re walking or taking the T, it’s very convenient. Despite the parking hassle, this spot is absolutely worth a visit. I totally recommend it for anyone looking to enjoy high-quality, flavorful ice cream with a little something extra.

I recently stopped by this ice cream shop in Boston and had a great experience. The ice cream was smooth, rich, and full of flavor. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, making it a nice place to relax. The staff was friendly and helpful, offering samples and quick service. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a sweet treat in the city.

Fun flavors, free sample, and perfect texture, what’s not to love? I shared a scoop of honeycomb with my wife and we both thoroughly enjoyed it. Spacious, though could use more seating. Was no wait on a warm Friday afternoon which was surprising given the quality. I suppose there are lots of ice cream options on Harvard Sq. We will be returning to this one though.

It’s an overall great experience! I got the summer sweet potato and marshmallow fluff flavor, and it was one of the best ice creams I’ve ever had. The atmosphere is upbeat and welcoming, with cool spray paint art and ice cream related quotes (my favorite: “Heavy cream is kale for the soul”). In addition, the staff is always friendly and helpful, letting you sample whatever you want. The flavor selection is the most diverse of any ice cream shop I’ve ever been in. I would highly recommend you go here if you’re looking for a sweet treat in Harvard Square.

I had a wonderful time here with my family. We came here for dessert after dinner near Harvard Square. The ice cream cream was delicious, and the service was excellent. The staff were courteous, and they let us taste multiple flavors before making our selections. We ordered chocolate, white raspberry, praline butter cake, chocolate fudge brownie, and a couple of waffle cones. The only issue is that the atmosphere is a bit hectic and that the restaurant could use better seating.